The LinkedIn direct message link allows users to initiate a private conversation with other members without being connected. It provides a quick and easy way to reach out to connections and non-connections alike. The link gives users a jumping-off point to build relationships, network, and recruit on the platform.
What is the LinkedIn direct message link?
The LinkedIn direct message link is a customizable URL that enables users to send private messages to other members directly from an external webpage or email. When the recipient clicks on the link, it will redirect them to LinkedIn and open up a new message window to start a conversation with the sender.
This messaging link eliminates the need to connect with someone first before messaging them. It allows users to message anyone on LinkedIn, even if they are not currently connected in their network. The link essentially removes the permissions required to directly message non-connections, streamlining the process of initiating contact.
How to get the LinkedIn direct message link
Generating a LinkedIn direct message link is simple and straightforward for all users:
- Go to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want to message.
- Click on the “More” icon (three dots) below their profile photo and select “Send InMail.”
- A message window will pop up – type your message as desired but do not send it yet.
- Look for the text “Send inMail” in blue. Click on the down arrow beside it.
- Select “Copy link” from the dropdown menu.
- The direct message link is now copied and ready to use.
The resulting link will begin with “https://www.linkedin.com/messaging” followed by a unique string of letters and numbers. When pasted or clicked anywhere, it will open up a direct message to that particular LinkedIn member with the pre-written text.
How to customize and use the direct message link
The default direct message link will open an unaddressed message window. However, users can customize the link before sharing for better results:
- Pre-fill subject line: Add
&subject=
and the desired text after the base link to prefill a subject. - Pre-fill message body: Add
&body=
and the desired text after the base link to prefill a message body. - Track clicks: Add
&trackingId=
and an ID code after the base link to track clicks and conversions. - Specify recipient: Add
&recipient=
and the member ID after the base link to ensure it goes to the correct person.
The direct message link is commonly used in the following ways:
- Share in external emails or newsletters to drive traffic to LinkedIn messaging.
- Embed on a website, landing page, or blog post as a call-to-action to message easily.
- Paste in online communities, forums, or group chats to connect with other professionals.
- Include in online ads or social media posts along with compelling offers or content upgrades.
- Add to digital or printed business cards to spur recipients to make conversations.
Benefits of using the LinkedIn direct message link
The LinkedIn direct message link provides several advantages for effectively engaging and connecting with other members:
Initiate contact instantly
The biggest benefit is the ability to start conversations immediately without sending connection requests first or navigating multiple LinkedIn pages. The link allows sending fast messages to make or strengthen connections.
Reach wider audiences
Users are not limited to only messaging 1st-degree connections. The link can be shared publicly to get messages in front of 2nd and 3rd-degree connections or group members who users want to connect with but are not directly linked to currently.
Personalize outreach
Prefilling subject lines and message body text enables users to craft customized messages at scale when sharing the link to multiple recipients. Personalization helps get better response rates.
Track engagement
Using tracking IDs with the link allows users to see how many people clicked and landed on the LinkedIn messaging window. This helps assess the performance of messaging campaigns.
Save time
The direct messaging link eliminates the need to customize connection requests or copy-paste messages. Everything can be prepared ahead of time in the link for quick access and outreach.
Use cases for the LinkedIn direct message link
Here are some of the most common and effective use cases for the direct messaging link:
Recruiting and hiring
Recruiters can use the link to reach passive candidates who are not actively job searching by sending them compelling messages about open roles perfect for their skills and experience.
Sales prospecting
Salespeople can include the link in cold emails or campaigns to start sales conversations with promising leads more quickly and directly through messaging.
Event promotion
Event managers can embed the link on event websites or promotions to allow interested attendees to RSVP or ask questions instantly through LinkedIn messages.
Link building
Bloggers and marketers can use the link to reach out to industry influencers, experts, and brand leaders requesting content collaborations, backlinks, quotes, or reviews.
Consulting inquiries
Consultants and agencies can share the link on their website allowing prospects to message them directly with questions about service offerings and pricing.
Group networking
Active group members can place the link in their forum posts and comments to facilitate 1:1 conversations with other like-minded professionals.
Tips for using the direct message link effectively
Follow these tips to get the most out of LinkedIn’s direct messaging link for relationship-building:
- Personalize each link with a specific recipient ID whenever possible.
- Be upfront and transparent about your intentions in the pre-filled message.
- Keep initial messages short with a clear call-to-action to continue the dialogue.
- Put relevant keywords in the subject line that align with the recipient’s interests.
- Test different messaging copy and offers to see what converts best.
- Follow up with non-responders after a week to restart conversations.
- Monitor click rates and engagement metrics to refine outreach over time.
- Integrate the link seamlessly into multiple channels like emails, websites, and ads.
Limitations of the direct message link
While highly useful, the LinkedIn direct message link does have some limitations to keep in mind:
- Only works for messaging, not connecting. Recipients can ignore connection requests.
- Some users may flag spam or unwanted messages as abusive.
- Limited customization options compared to full messaging platform.
- Must stay within LinkedIn’s guidelines for acceptable use.
- Requires recipient to have opened messaging permissions enabled.
- Depends heavily on relevancy and personalization for good response rate.
- Not available on LinkedIn’s mobile app, only desktop site.
- Tracking capabilities are limited compared to UTMs.
Alternatives to the LinkedIn direct message link
In some cases, other networking and communication options may be preferable:
- Connection requests – Establish an open channel for ongoing dialogue vs one-off messages.
- InMail – Paid service but avoids perception of unsolicited messaging.
- Group posts – Engage many members publicly when privacy is not required.
- Company pages – Interact openly with brands instead of specific employees.
- Ads – Contact members via sponsored content and pay-per-click vs unpaid messages.
The future of LinkedIn direct messaging
LinkedIn is likely to keep expanding messaging capabilities to allow users more ways to connect directly and drive engagement on the platform. Possible future developments include:
- Enhanced tracking and analytics functions.
- Mobile compatibility and integration.
- More options to customize messaging links.
- AB testing for messages.
- Automated follow-up capabilities.
- Chatbot integrations.
- Saved response templates.
- Native video messaging support.
As messaging becomes increasingly important on social platforms, the LinkedIn direct link provides a springboard for brands, advertisers, recruiters, and everyday users to foster relationships on LinkedIn through more direct, convenient contact with the audiences that matter most.